UK fire chiefs are urging households to adopt a crucial safety routine: unplugging specific appliances before leaving the house or going to bed. This warning, highlighted by advice from Better Homes & Gardens, comes after the festive period when homes are often filled with new electrical gifts and devices.
The Critical Fire Hazards in Your Home
The call to action, dubbed 'Unplug to Unwind', follows multiple house fires in recent years linked to small electrical devices left on charge unattended. Fire safety experts emphasise that only large appliances like refrigerators are designed for constant power. For everything else, the simple act of disconnecting from the mains can be a vital protective measure.
Leaving devices plugged in and unattended can transform everyday household items into dangerous fire hazards. The risk is particularly acute when appliances are left running or on standby without supervision.
Five Devices You Must Never Leave Plugged In
Hair Heat Tools: Straighteners and curling wands should be switched off and allowed to cool down completely after use. It is best practice to unplug them immediately once you have finished styling your hair, ensuring they cannot accidentally be turned on or overheat.
Charging Cords: Phone, laptop, and tablet chargers should not be left plugged into sockets when not in supervised use. Even without a device attached, transformers in plugs can overheat, posing a risk.
Electric Heaters: Portable heaters must be turned off and unplugged as soon as you stop using them. Leaving them connected to a power source, even when not actively running, can cause a fire. This rule applies not just when you leave the house, but anytime the heater is not needed.
Electric Kettles: Designed to boil water rapidly, kettles carry a small but real risk of malfunctioning or overheating. A fault while you are out could easily spark a kitchen fire, making it essential to disconnect them after each use.
Air Fryers: The potential danger was tragically illustrated by one family who 'lost everything' when their air fryer exploded while they were out. Admin worker Angel recounted the devastating incident, stating a neighbour called her at work to say her house was on fire.
A Family's Tragic Warning
Angel's story serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences. Investigators suggested the cause was either a faulty plug socket or a defective air fryer. The damage was so severe that the appliance had melted beyond recognition.
'Everything I have worked for has gone into that house,' Angel said. 'It was such a shock. I cried for ten hours. It broke me. I have lost everything in that house.' Her experience underscores why UK fire safety campaigns are now prioritising this simple preventative message.
Incorporating a quick 'unplug check' into your daily routine—especially before leaving the house or retiring for the night—is a minor effort that can provide major protection for your home and family.
